Let’s Talk Politics

Ex-South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun committed suicide yesterday in light of a corruption scandal that tarnished his reputation as a “clean” politician.  In a suicide note, Roh stated that “too many people are suffering because of me.”  His lawyer reports that the 62 year old went hiking in the mountains behind his rural South Korea home and hurled himself off a cliff.

The stated cause of death was head trauma.

Roh had recently been involved in a corruption scandal in which he reportedly took $6 million in bribes from a local businessman.  Roh maintained that the $1 million given to his wife was not a bribe and the $5 million given to another family relative was a business investment.

Roh’s hands were not the only ones dirtied in the ordeal.  The man who leant the money, Park Yeon-cha, has been indicted on charges of bribery and tax evasion.  Roh’s older brother has already been sentenced to four years in prison on separate bribery charges and Roh’s aides are being questioned as to their role in the bribery scandal.

Roh entered the world of poltiics in 1988 whenhe was elected to the National Assembly.  In a surprise 2002 victory, Roh became the new president.  During his tenure, he met with Kim Jong Il twice to establish better relations between the two nations.  He became the first South Korean President t0o be impeached in 2004, when he urged voters to support his Uri Party.  He was returned to his post a few months later.

Often known to be standoffish, Roh will best be remembered as a voice of the underprivaledged and a fighter against corruption.

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